44% Want Free Video Only 19% Willing To Pay

JupiterResearch is reporting that 44% of online consumers are interested in watching free videos on their mobile phones, but only 19% are willing to pay for it.

JupiterResearch today announced in its newly released report, “Video on Cell Phones: It’s Real in 2005, but a Paying Consumer Audience Isn’t”, that 44% of online consumers surveyed by JupiterResearch are interested in viewing video on their cell phones for free, but only 19% indicate they would be willing to pay anything for those services.

Wireless carriers in the U.S. have launched mobile video applications demonstrating both the progress and the potential of the technology. The JupiterResearch report also finds the lack of network coverage, high prices for both handsets and service, and limited access to real time content, however, will dampen consumer interest in the near term.

“Although consumer interest in mobile video is strong, the cell phone will remain a voice-centric device in the near term,” stated Julie Ask, research director at JupiterResearch. “Only 4% of consumers cited the ability to watch video as a priority feature for them when purchasing their next handset. Carrier subsidies will be required to develop a mass market base of higher end handsets with the most advanced video functionality,” added Ask.

The complete findings of the JupiterResearch report are immediately available to JupiterResearch clients online at www.jupiterresearch.com.